December 2025 Iron Mic Awards

Congrats to our December 2025 Iron Mic winners!
Enroute: BOS_CTR - ZBW
TRACON: BOS_APP - ZBW
Tower: BOS_TWR - ZBW
Ground: BOS_GND - ZBW

Enroute Top 3
BOS_CTR 47.04%
ATL_CTR 42.12%
HNL_CTR 30.48%

TRACON Top 3
BOS_APP 48.63%
SMF_APP 40.54%
SCT_APP 26.97%

Tower Top 3
BOS_TWR 37.79%
LAX_TWR 31.28%
SAN_TWR 27.4%

Ground Top 3
BOS_GND 41.6%
SAN_GND 33.13%
CLT_GND 19.03%

Cleveland, the birthplace of Rock and Roll, turns up the volume with Rock the Lakefront. Experience the energy of the lakefront as the Cleveland ARTCC provides staffing at both KCLE and KBKL for an event that's sure to rock your socks off.

📣 VATUSA – Technical Manager (VATUSA6)

VATUSA is seeking a Technical Manager (VATUSA6) to lead the division’s technical operations and spearhead the development of a new VATUSA division website and technical stack.

Reports To: VATUSA Deputy Director – Support Services

Primary Focus (Initial Priority):

•   Design, build, and deliver a new VATUSA division website and supporting technical stack
•   Actively leverage, grow, and coordinate the VATUSA Developer Team to complete this effort
•   The Technical Manager will not be expected to maintain or significantly develop the existing/legacy VATUSA stack while new development is underway

Key Responsibilities include:

•   Oversee VATUSA technical services (website, APIs, servers, email, Discord, and related systems)
•   Maintain and evolve VATUSA server architecture
•   Ensure data security, backups, and compliance with privacy/erasure requests
•   Manage and coordinate the VATUSA Developer Team
•   Perform regular system maintenance post-deployment
•   Guide and mentor ARTCC Web Masters and technical staff as needed

Ideal candidates have a strong technical background, experience leading modern web or platform rebuilds, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical contributors and division leadership.

⏱️ Time Commitment: A few hours per week on average

📩 Interested? Submit a brief statement of interest and technical background, including a resume via email to VATUSA4 at vatusa4 [at] vatusa.net.

The Houston ARTCC (ZHU) is seeking a qualified, professional, and motivated individual that possesses a high degree of energy and commitment to serve as the Deputy Air Traffic Manager. Applicants should note that this position requires a significant time commitment.

Deadline
This posting will expire on 01/11/2026 at 23:59z.


Key Responsibilities
• Reports to the ATM
• Front-Line Manager to the Facilities, Events, and Technical (Web) departments
• Monitors the day-to-day activities of the ARTCC
• Assists in the development and execution of ARTCC projects
• Maintains an online presence on the VATSIM server
• Functions as ARTCC senior staff member. Attends periodic meetings to report on ARTCC activities
• Assists in coordination of position assignments and position restrictions when necessary
• Assumes the duties of the ATM when he/she is unavailable
• Any other duty assigned by the ATM

Minimum Requirements
• Currently hold a rating of Controller (C1) or higher for at least 90 days prior to application date
• Works well in a team-oriented environment
• Demonstrates excellent leadership skills
• Be an active member of the VATSIM network in good standing with no significant disciplinary history in the last 12 months
• Strong knowledge of the U.S. Airspace and Air Traffic Control systems & procedures
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
• Previous or current ARTCC staff experience
• Have held a rating of I1 for at least 90 days at any given time prior to application date
• Supervisory or management experience in virtual or real world
• Proven ability to lead a team of individuals through change to support overall ARTCC goals


Applications must include
1. Name, Email Address, and CID
2. Letter of Intent
3. Resume (please include any applicable VATSIM and/or IRL experience)

What to expect
This position demands a considerable amount of time (on and off the network) every week. Only those candidates who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should apply. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview. All candidates who apply and who meet the minimum requirements can expect to be interviewed for this posting. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.


How to apply:
Submit the required information above to Gregory Albrecht ZHU ATM at zhu-atm@vatusa.net

The Rocky Mountains and Denver Metro area will be alive with the crackling sound of handoffs and density altitude checks! Join the Denver ARTCC on Friday May 29, 2026 for Denver Live! Come experience the beautiful sunset, Rocky Mountains, and triple approaches into Denver International Airport! Denver Live is hosted in Lakewood; Colorado you won't want to miss it!

Featuring: KDEN
Date and Time: Friday May 29, 2026, 5:00PM- 9:00PM (2300-0300Z)